A Christmas card from a vegan

Thank you to everyone choosing not to eat animals this Christmas.

For some of you, it’s the first time. What you’re doing takes extraordinary courage.

I still remember Christmas 2004, when I first refused to eat my grandfather’s delicious (yes, I admit it) home-slaughtered duck roast..

It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

It didn’t get easier when my dear grandparents didn’t understand my ethical reasons and took my refusal of their traditional meal personally.

I had caused sadness and disappointment on Christmas Eve, even though I only wanted peace for both people and animals.

It’s seen as antisocial and alienating when not everyone at the table shares the exact same meal, and since the omnivores usually hold the majority, it automatically makes the animal rights advocate the stubborn outlier.

But you should know it gets easier for your family each year you stand firm in your beliefs.

Few can avoid coming to respect the steadfastness that shows through consistent conviction over time.

Each year more truths emerge about the unspeakable horrors and crimes of the animal agriculture industry, truths even the most hardened cannot avoid hearing in the news.

Every year, we’re closer to the vegan future.

The first Christmas as a vegan is tough.

It takes admirable calm and strength to sit at a table with multiple dead animals and their bodily byproducts and still keep peace with your loved ones.

That part hasn’t gotten much easier. If anything, each Christmas makes me sadder that another year has passed while those I care about still indulge and fill themselves at the expense of others.

Even though most Danes know better now, and though I’ve enjoyed a delicious green Christmas menu for 19 years, showing there’s nothing missing.

By standing firm, we help create new, more sustainable and compassionate Christmas traditions.

No matter how traditional you are, it does not grant ethical carte blanche to kill others for fleeting sensory pleasure, and more are being confronted this Christmas by sitting with someone who refuses to partake in that practice.

Your choice makes a huge difference.

Christmas is simply best when not celebrated at the expense of others.

Merry green Christmas to all new vegans, old vegans, and everyone on the verge of taking the leap into a more compassionate and climate-friendly verden.

You are strong, and you are important.

Merry Christmas to all animal rights allies <3

This blog post is written by Lisa Salversen - Senior District Coordinator, DA Aarhus local chapters